Man, 57, abducted leaving work in Vaughan

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A frantic search is under way for a 57-year-old man who was abducted as he left work early Friday in Vaughan.

York Regional Police say Roberto Marchioni was leaving his place of business at 119 Westcreek Dr. around 2:15 a.m. when he was confronted by two abductors who assaulted him, forced him into a grey 2020 Honda CRV LX driven by a third person, and fled the area.

And as of Saturday afternoon, investigators were still trying to determine where the kidnappers had taken the Toronto man.

“Our priority is to locate Mr. Marchioni,” Insp. Paolo Fiore said at a news conference, explaining Homicide detectives are investigating because they deal with kidnappings when “foul play” is strongly suspected.

“We are very concerned for his well-being, and so is his family – very concerned,” he added.

Fiore said officers initially responded to the business near Hwy. 400 and Langstaff Rd. after a member of the public reported “a suspicious circumstance.”

“Officers arrived on scene and located a black Range Rover in front of the business with personal property belonging to the victim located nearby,” he explained. “Officers viewed surveillance cameras attached to the buildings nearby and observed Mr. Marchioni exiting his business on Friday, July 12, at 2:15 a.m.”

Investigators determined the Range Rover belonged to Marchioni.

Police have been working diligently to locate Marchioni and have made some progress in the investigation, but they have yet to be able to identify the kidnappers or determine why the victim was snatched.

“We are seeking the public’s assistance in gathering any information that may assist us in locating Mr. Marchioni,” Fiore said. “At this time, his whereabouts are unknown.”

“We also want to speak to anyone who may have information about the circumstances that led to the abduction,” he added.

Fiore said there is no reason to believe there is any threat to public safety.

“We believe this was not a random event,” he said. “We believe that Mr. Marchioni was targeted.”

Fiore said Marchioni is “known to police” but he offered no further details about the victim.

The Honda CRV LX the victim was forced into was last seen exiting to Langstaff Rd. and southbound on Hwy. 400.

And Fiore said it’s believed a black Dodge Ram pickup truck, with “electronic-powered running boards that retract,” is also thought to have been involved in the abduction.

Police are looking for three males, described only as having light-coloured skin, who were dressed in dark clothing and wore masks at the time of the abduction.

Anyone with information regarding this kidnapping, the whereabouts of Marchioni or the identity of his abductors, is urged to call the Homicide Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7865, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

cdoucette@postmedia.com

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